Provision of medication should include the following steps:
- Store medication prior to distribution.
- Verify identification of recipient by facility policy.
- Deliver medication to a patient/patient's representative (e.g., by hand, mail, pneumatic tube, robotics).
- Place medication in dispensing system (e.g., unit-dose cart, robotics).
- Deliver medication to patient-care unit, as applicable.
- Record distribution of prescription medication.
- Record distribution of controlled substances.
- Record distribution of investigational drugs.
- Maintain confidentiality of transaction.
See PTCB 2.4, 3.2, 7.4 (https://www.ptcb.org/lib24watch/files/pdf/169).
Process/Skill Questions:
- What is an investigational drug? Why are such drugs important?
- Who may participate in the use of an investigational drug?
- What types of documentation are associated with the distribution of controlled substances?
- What types of systems exist to dispense and store-controlled substances?